RANKING ROGER

Sad to hear today that Ranking Roger passed away. Spy Vibers will know his work in The Beat ("The English Beat" in the States), where he shared lead vocals with bandmate Dave Wakeling. They were an important part of the Ska and Mod Revival movement in the late 70s and early 80s. I first heard The English Beat in the darkroom at boarding school. The song was Mirror in the Bathroom, and I'll never forget my initial reaction. The band seemed to play at such high energy- I was even startled! And I always loved the island vibe Ranking Roger brought to the group's sound. He and Wakeling went on to form General Public (1983-1986) and Roger then began new projects, including collaborations and performances with members of The Specials, The Clash, and The Police. In 2013 he began touring a UK-based lineup of The Beat as Wakeling continued as The English Beat in America. Roger had a stroke in 2018 and was recently receiving treatment for cancer, while finishing his autobiography, I Just Can't Stop It (Omnibus Press). He passed away today at the young age of 56. Below: portrait by Jim Stokes, Dave Wakeling, the original band, Ranking Roger's upcoming book, live (Dance Craze/1981), and live 1980. More info at The Beat and The English Beat. Related posts: Laika Calypso, Spy Dust Calypso, James Bond Ska, Party The Selecter, Pussy Galore Calypso, Island UNCLE.

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